Hi, I've been unable to access links on search engines for some time and it's driving me crazy! I also have a lot of trouble with internet connectivity, but i'm not sure if the 2 problems are linked. I believe I have some sort of virus or malware. Have done anti virus scan and spybot, but have been unable to resolve the issue. Help would be much appreciated.

OK, I can see that you have tried to take the matters into your own had and installed a lot of tools. The problem is that the more security you get, the less protected you actually are.My first recommendation is to choose one rounded, complete security suite and uninstall everything else. IF anything ever goes wrong, you can immediately contact the Support Team of that security suite and ask for help.

I have to emphasize the importance of that. I have nothing against using various different tools, under the supervision of a Tech. Installing a bunch of stuff, hoping something will work, will only end in disaster and, while in your case you have mild issues, in case of a real nasty infection, also having to remove all the other tools that are "protecting" the computer, takes a lot more time, giving the infection time to spread and do it's worst.

I will get back to you in a few hours with a complete list of what steps you need to take. Please do not take any more steps by yourself for now, so the logs remain accurate and we can solve all your computer problems.

To have an idea of why you have problems: Toolbars!

I can never say enough bad things about toolbars. They just open your browser up to infections through various vulnerabilities and the search engines that come with these toolbars are not always displaying the most accurate search results (and I was being awfully gentle there).

Note: You can also search for these folders manually under:C:\Program FilesANDC:\Program Files\Common FilesANDC:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application DataANDC:\Documents and SettingsANDC:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\Local Settings\Application DataBUT, it's easier to just search, especially in XP

F. AFTER you delete all the folders, run CCleaner and do a registry scan. Make sure to backup whatever you fix, but fix all.

G. Next, follow these steps:

1. Go to Start >RUN and type CMD.exe in the search field.2. In the black CMD window type the following and press Enter after each line (each one line is one command):ipconfig /flushdnsipconfig /releaseipconfig /renewnbtstat –Rnbtstat –RRnetsh int ip reset reset.txt3. Wait for CMD to be finished and reboot the computer.

This should solve the problem. Let me know how things are running after that.